Study of Diagonal PNF Pattern Exercises and Heat Therapy to Reduce Pain and Improve Function in Adults Aged 40 to 60 with Knee Osteoarthritis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying knee osteoarthritis in adults aged 40 to 60 years to compare the effects of diagonal proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation PNF pattern exercises and conventional strength training exercises. The trial aims to evaluate how these exercise programs affect pain intensity, knee range of motion, functional disability, hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance, and fatigue levels in patients with this condition. The study will be conducted at two hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan, with 150 participants randomly assigned to two groups. One group will receive diagonal PNF pattern exercises focusing on two lower limb patterns performed against resistance to improve strength and flexibility, combined with heat therapy. The other group will receive conventional strength training exercises targeting quadriceps and hip abductor muscles, also combined with heat therapy. Both groups will undergo treatment sessions three times per week on alternate days for six weeks. Participants will be assessed by a single blinded assessor at the start and after the 18th treatment session using standardized tools including the Visual Analogue Scale for pain, Universal Goniometer for knee range of motion, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for functional disability, Active Knee Extension test for hamstring flexibility, Four Step Square Test for dynamic balance, and a Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory questionnaire. Data will be analyzed to compare changes in these outcomes, with safety and progress monitored throughout the trial.

Effects of Diagonal Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Patterns on Pain and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis